Kaizer Chiefs head coach Arthur Zwane has opened up on receiving backing from management over his job ahead of winning the Soweto Derby this weekend.
Zwane became the first South African coach to complete a league double over Orlando Pirates after Olisa Ndah’s late own goal handed Amakhosi bragging rights at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
And when probed by iDiski Times in the post-match press conference if the public backing from Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jnr. hand an impact in preparations, Zwane stated that they were all well aware this season would be a bumpy road.
“The club has a plan, and we know that when you start something, at some point, you will go through some rough patches, it’s part of the game because you’re trying to lay a strong foundation,” Zwane said.
“That foundation obviously helps us now to bring in players that can easily fit in our way of playing. So injuries did not, you know help us. With too many injuries, we lost key players in very important games and what’s key is to focus and keep on working on that plan.”
‘Mangethe’ also pointed towards their inability to field a consistent matchday eleven and sighted the Man of the Match display of Edmilson Dove as the prime example as how the absence of a key player can affect their level of performance.
“As I said, there’s nothing you can become successful in without any challenges – yes we are facing challenges and we cannot come here and complain and say last week I missed Dove [Edmilson]. Whoever was given an opportunity last week could have done better.
“You must have seen the difference in managing the distances in this game and last week’s game. Sometimes you can take it for granted but just one player makes a huge difference.
“How many times did Pirates create chances or go in behind us? But last week we had a bit of a challenge, but I understand because, some of the players haven’t been playing for some time, it’s normal – we need to gain confidence and a fair chance to play.
“But unfortunately at the moment, we’re trying to get the team going and need some chemistry, tactical understanding to improve, so we focus more on grinding results now while we’re fixing ourselves – trying to improve our game.”
Chiefs now travel to Kwa-Zulu Natal to face Richards Bay before the Nedbank Cup last-16 tie against Casric FC at FNB Stadium next Sunday.
